Your path to becoming an IT expert: IT professions, training and degree programs at a glance

From the smartphone in your pocket and complex software solutions in companies to IT security, cloud technologies and artificial intelligence: information technology forms the backbone of our digital world and influences and enriches our daily lives with innovative applications. This is precisely why qualified IT experts, committed specialists and curious talents are needed more urgently than ever.

IT specialists are in high demand in many companies - attractive jobs with a wide range of applications and excellent career opportunities are waiting for you.

Perhaps you are wondering what your entry into IT could look like. What IT professions are there? Is an apprenticeship more suitable for you or a degree course? And what tasks, career opportunities and development possibilities await you in the IT sector?

In this article, you will get a comprehensive overview of the most important IT apprenticeships, degree courses and job profiles - so that you can find your personal path to becoming an IT expert.

IT professions and IT training: Entry into the IT sector

For many, an IT apprenticeship is the ideal start to a secure and future-oriented career. In addition to studying, dual vocational training, also known as a practical apprenticeship, offers an attractive alternative for gaining practical experience directly in the company. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience and gives you direct access to the day-to-day work of IT companies. During your apprenticeship, you will already be working in a team, dealing with hardware, software and IT systems and developing solutions for real-life challenges.

In a dual IT apprenticeship, you will not only learn at vocational school, but also directly in the company. Certain qualifications, such as completed vocational training or relevant prior knowledge, are particularly important for entry into the IT sector. You will be given responsibility early on, support colleagues and gain valuable experience in dealing with users, customers and modern technologies - a great advantage for your future career.

There are numerous apprenticeships in various IT disciplines, such as IT specialist for system integration or application development, and many apprentices are taken on by their training company after successfully completing their training. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, the IT sector also offers excellent career prospects and a wide range of promotion opportunities.

Requirements for an IT apprenticeship

As a rule, at least an intermediate school leaving certificate is expected for training in the IT sector. For a dual apprenticeship in the IT sector, at least an intermediate school leaving certificate or Abitur is required. You have particularly good chances with a Realschulabschluss or Abitur. A solid knowledge of mathematics, computer science and English is primarily important, as many IT systems, programs and technical terms are based on English.

Depending on the IT profession, additional knowledge or interests may be required. Certain IT professions may also require slightly more knowledge or skills.

In software development or IT security, logical thinking, technical understanding and a certain enthusiasm for programming are particularly helpful. If you want to work in IT management or IT consulting later on, your communication skills and teamwork will also play a key role, as you will be working with customers and colleagues on a regular basis.

How long does an IT apprenticeship last?

The duration of training in IT professions is between three and three and a half years, depending on the subject area and specialization. Under certain conditions - for example, in the case of outstanding performance or corresponding previous education - the training period can even be shortened.

IT specialist - the central IT training occupation

IT specialist is one of the most important and popular apprenticeships in the IT sector. If you are looking for practical training and want to work directly with modern technology, this IT profession is often the first choice. IT specialists are needed in almost all sectors - from IT service providers to industrial companies and public institutions.

During the dual training program, which usually lasts three years, you will learn both in the company and at vocational school. You can specialize in different fields, each with its own focus and tasks.

Typical tasks of an IT specialist

• Planning, setting up and supporting IT systems and networks, with the IT infrastructure playing a central role as the backbone of IT departments

• Developing, adapting and maintaining software and applications

• Analyzing requirements and developing suitable IT solutions

• Error analysis and rectification of faults in IT operations

• Supporting users with technical questions and problems

• Documentation of IT processes, systems and solutions

• Collaboration with colleagues, specialist departments and external service providers

• Ensuring IT security, data protection and system stability

• Testing new hardware and software before it is used in the company

As an IT specialist, you work at the interface between technology, people and the company. Digitalization is fundamentally changing the organization of work and work processes in IT professions by enabling new flexible working models and automated processes.

Depending on your specialization, your day-to-day work, your tasks and your areas of application will differ significantly. What all specializations have in common is that you are actively involved in the digital development of companies.

IT specialist for system integration

In system integration, you will plan, install and support complex IT infrastructures. There is a particular focus on planning, networking and setting up hardware and software solutions to ensure smooth operation. This includes servers, networks, IT systems, data storage, data transmission and IT security. You take care of hardware, analyze faults and ensure that systems run stably. IT system electronics technicians take on tasks in the area of physical IT infrastructure in particular, work closely with IT specialists for system integration and together ensure the optimal functioning and security of the systems. An important part of your work is supporting users, whose efficient work is made possible by IT support and optimized digital systems.

Typical tasks include

• Setting up networks and servers

• Support for IT systems and equipment

• Troubleshooting technical problems

• Supporting users and customers

• Implementation of security concepts

IT professions are considered crisis-proof, as ongoing digitalization and technological developments are constantly increasing the demand for skilled workers.

IT specialist for application development

In application development, the focus is on programming and software development. You develop applications, adapt existing software to new requirements and accompany new developments from the idea to implementation.

Your tasks could include the following:

• Programming applications

• Testing and documenting software

• Collaboration with customers and specialist departments

• Optimizing existing systems

Many graduates go on to work as software developers or specialize further as computer scientists.

IT specialist for data and process analysis

This specialization is all about data, business processes and digital optimization - in particular the digitalization and optimization of business processes, which contribute significantly to increasing efficiency and automation in companies.

You will analyze existing processes in the company, evaluate data from data processing and identify where processes can be improved or automated. On this basis, you will develop digital solutions that make workflows more efficient, transparent and economical, such as

• Analyzing existing business processes and digital workflows

• Evaluating and processing data from various IT systems

• Identification of optimization potential in processes and workflows

• Development of digital solutions for the automation of processes

• Creation of data models, evaluations and reports

• Supporting the introduction of new IT systems and tools

• Collaboration with specialist departments to implement technical requirements

• Documentation of processes, analyses and digital solutions

IT specialist for digital networking

This specialization combines IT systems to create intelligent overall solutions, for example in industry and production. You will work on networking machines, software and IT systems. Your tasks may include

• Planning and implementing the networking of IT systems, machines and plants

• Integrating hardware and software to create complete networked systems

• Monitoring and optimizing communication between systems

• Analyzing and rectifying faults in networked IT environments

• Collaboration on projects relating to Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things

• Ensuring IT security and data protection in networked systems

• Testing and commissioning new networked solutions

• Documentation of system architectures and networking concepts

Management assistant for digitization management

As a digitalization management assistant, you will combine business management thinking with a sound understanding of IT. This apprenticeship, formerly known as IT management assistant, is aimed at anyone who is interested in figures, processes and organization as well as digital technologies.

You will analyze business processes, plan the use of digital solutions and support IT projects from idea to implementation. You will work closely with various specialist departments, IT teams and external service providers and often act as an interface between technology, management and users.

Typical tasks as a digitalization management specialist

• Planning, managing and supporting digitalization projects

• Analysis and optimization of company processes

• Support and coordination of IT systems and software solutions

• Coordination with internal departments, customers and IT service providers

• Supporting the introduction of new digital tools

• Training and supporting employees in the use of IT systems

• Creation of documentation, evaluations and decision papers

IT systems electronics technician - technology, electronics and IT systems

As an IT systems electronics technician, you will combine technical expertise in electronics with modern information technology. This apprenticeship is ideal for you if you enjoy practical work and are enthusiastic about hardware, networks and technical systems. Your focus will be on the installation, maintenance and servicing of IT infrastructures - both in the company and directly at the customer's premises.

You will ensure that IT systems function reliably, networks are stable and technical faults are quickly rectified. By alternating between office work and field work, your working day is particularly varied.

Typical tasks as an IT systems electronics technician

• Installation and commissioning of IT infrastructures and networks

• Setting up, maintaining and repairing hardware and electronic systems

• Analyzing and rectifying faults in IT and communication systems

• Carrying out fault diagnoses and functional tests

• On-site support for IT systems at the customer's premises

• Documentation of installations, maintenance and technical changes

• Collaboration with IT teams, technicians and external service providers

This IT profession offers you a wide range of job opportunities and a solid foundation for further training and specialization - for example in network technology or IT security.

IT system management, IT management and other opportunities

In addition to traditional IT professions such as IT specialist or IT systems electronics technician, IT systems management and IT management are becoming increasingly important. In these areas, the focus is less on pure programming and more on the planning, control and further development of IT systems and IT services within companies.

You will coordinate IT projects, ensure smooth IT operations and make sure that technical solutions optimally support business objectives. You will work closely with IT teams, specialist departments and external service providers and increasingly take on organizational and strategic tasks.

There are numerous vacancies and job offers in the field of IT system management and IT management in particular, as companies are increasingly looking for qualified specialists to successfully shape the digital transformation.

IT management is particularly suitable for you if you want to combine technical understanding with business thinking and strong communication skills. Entry opportunities range from specialized training and degree courses to further training in IT organization, project management or IT consulting.

Studying IT: theory, technology and specialization

An IT degree course is just the thing if you want to delve deeper into technical, theoretical or strategic topics. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) regularly adapts the training regulations in the IT sector to the requirements of digitalization in order to ensure up-to-date and practical training. You have the opportunity to specialize in various fields - from data science and artificial intelligence to IT management. Dual study programs are particularly popular, where you combine practical experience in the company with a university degree. This gives you valuable experience and prepares you directly for the world of work.

Study computer science

Studying computer science will provide you with comprehensive knowledge in programming, data processing, software development, systems engineering and theoretical computer science. You will work intensively with algorithms, operating systems, networks and modern information technology.

Typical career prospects after studying computer science

• Computer scientist - develop and support technical IT systems

• Software developer - develop programs, apps and applications

• IT consultant - advising and supporting companies with IT projects

• IT systems specialist - planning, maintaining and optimizing IT infrastructures

You can study computer science here:

Bachelor's degree programs (Informatics / Computer Science)

• Computer Science (B.Sc.) - Hochschule Niederrhein - Practice-oriented Bachelor's program in Computer Science.

• Computer Science (B.Sc.) - Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) - Focus on modern IT topics such as AI, networks & security.

• Computer Science (B.Sc.) - University of Augsburg - University course with options for specialization.

• Bachelor of Applied Computer Science at the FH Erfurt

Master's degree programs (Computer Science)

• Computer Science - Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) - Specialization and research options in Cyber-Physical Systems, Data Science and much more.

• Computer Science - TU Berlin - Internationally oriented English-language Master's program.

• Computer Science - University of Augsburg - University Master with a focus on theory, practice & projects.

Data science - working with data

The Data Science degree program focuses on large amounts of data, data storage, data transfer and data analysis. Your goal: to gain valuable insights from raw data and support companies in making data-based decisions.

Bachelor's degree courses - Data Science

• Data Science(B.Sc.) - Justus Liebig University Giessen - classic data science bachelor's degree with computer science, statistics, programming & AI methods.

• Data Science(B.Sc.) - Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (via Studis-Online Info) - Data Science Bachelor at a large university (Listing).

• Data Science(B.Sc.) - Philipps-Universität Marburg (via Studis-Online Info) - Data Science degree program at a traditional university.

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (B.Sc.) - University of Applied Sciences Wedel - Bachelor incl. AI and DS content.

Master programs - Data Science

• Data Science (M.Sc.) - Justus Liebig University Giessen - research-oriented Master with data analysis & AI.

• Data Science (M.Sc.) - Anhalt University of Applied Sciences - practice-oriented Master with Data Science, Data Management & Machine Learning.

• Data Science (M.Sc.) - Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (via Studis-Online Info) - Master at a large university (Listing).

• Information Technology - Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (M.Sc.) - Mediadesign Hochschule Berlin - Master's program with a focus on AI, Machine Learning & Big Data (in English).

Artificial intelligence - the IT of the future

Study programs in the field of artificial intelligence deal with intelligent systems, machine learning, automation and neural networks. Experts in AI develop technologies that optimize processes, support decisions or completely automate them. Jobs in this field are among the most exciting and promising IT positions of the future.

Dual study program at FIDA - the perfect combination of theory and practice

Would you like to not only learn about IT in theory, but also apply it directly in your day-to-day work? Then a dual study program at FIDA is just right for you. We already work together with various universities so that you can optimally combine theory and practice.

During your studies, you will alternate between courses at the university and exciting practical assignments in our company. This will allow you to gain valuable experience, learn how to work on real IT projects and apply your knowledge directly.

A dual study program at FIDA offers you

• Practical training in real IT projects

• Close cooperation with experienced specialists

• Direct insight into various IT areas such as software development, system integration or IT management

• Optimal start to your career with a solid university degree

• Personal support and development opportunities during your studies

Dual study programs are offered by these universities, among others:

• Computer Science - dual (B.Sc.) - Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da) - Traditional dual computer science bachelor's degree with practical IT phases.

• Computer Science - dual with focus IT Security (B.Sc.) - Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da) - Dual study program with a focus on IT security.

• Applied Computer Science - Software Development and Management (B.Sc.) - FHDW - Practice-oriented dual study program in computer science with a focus on software and management.

• Applied Computer Science - Smart Systems (B.Sc.) - FHDW - Dual study program with a focus on intelligent systems, IoT & software.

• Dual study program in Informatics (B.Sc.) - PHWT - Practice-integrated computer science studies at the Private University of Applied Sciences for Business and Technology.

• Dualstudy programs in Computer Science - cooperation with companies (e.g. Bundesdruckerei, HWR Berlin, TU Hamburg) - dual computer science studies directly via company programs.

• IT and technology courses at the IU

• Bachelor of Applied Computer Science (dual) at the FH Erfurt

You will not only benefit from an academic degree, but also from practical experience that will ideally prepare you for your future career entry. A dual study program at FIDA is your direct route into the world of IT - practical, versatile and future-proof.

Conclusion: IT professions offer secure jobs and a strong future

The IT sector offers you numerous opportunities: Whether traditional training, dual studies, specialization in data, software or networking - or entry via IT management and lateral entry - there is a suitable path for everyone. For a successful career in IT, technical knowledge as well as people skills and communication skills are crucial in order to advise customers competently and work in a team. Motivation for lifelong learning is also an important quality, as technologies and requirements are constantly evolving.

At FIDA, we accompany you on this path: we offer exciting dual study programs and direct insights into real IT projects. This allows you to optimally combine theory and practice, gain valuable experience and successfully launch your career right from the start.

If you want to experience the world of IT up close and actively shape your future, then get in touch with us. We will show you your options, support you in planning your career and help you find your personal path to becoming an IT expert.

Start now at FIDA - your IT career is waiting!